25 Fun And Whimsical Nature-Themed Indoor & Outdoor Activities For Summer

Craving a deeper connection with nature? Wondering about things to do this summer in nature settings or at home…that help you balance and find serenity? What are some natured-themed indoor and outdoor activities for summer that will result in great memories?

We’ve got you covered. 

Whether you’re planning an escape into cottage or cabin country, or a camping trip… or even a short day trip to explore a national park, there are some fun and unusual ideas just for you. 

As for gloomy days or those when you can’t escape to wild places, we have a few ideas for nature-inspired self-care and more. 

Let’s dive in and see if we can inspire the nature-loving you! 

15 Fun and Unusual Outdoor Activities For Summer: Embrace Nature

Let’s get started with ideas that you can do outdoors. Some of these are a short drive away from home. A few may require a planned trip, depending on where you live. 

All are fun, doable and most importantly, whimsical and stress-relieving adventures. 

1. Moonlit Forest Bathing Bliss

You’ve heard of forest bathing, but have you heard of MOONLIT forest bathing? Imagine wandering through a forest at night, guided only by moonlight. Join a nighttime forest bathing session to soak in the sounds, scents, and serenity of the woods. It’s like a hug from nature herself.

Try this: Find a local group or guide for a safe experience, and let the stars be your ceiling.

2. Wildflower Seed Bomb Adventure

Tap into your inner eco-warrior by making seed bombs with native wildflower seeds. Toss them into empty lots or along trails to spread colour and support pollinators.

Pro tip: Mix clay, compost, and seeds for a DIY bomb — nature’s confetti!

3. Climb a Tree (Yes, Really!)

Rediscover your childhood joy with a guided tree-climbing workshop. Scaling a mighty oak with ropes and harnesses gives you a bird’s-eye view and a rush of connection to nature.

Start small: Look for local arborist-led classes for safety and fun.

4. Bioluminescent Kayak Magic

Paddle through glowing waters in a bioluminescent bay (think Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico). The water sparkles with every stroke, like paddling through a galaxy.

Plan ahead: Book a guided tour for this bucket-list adventure.

5. Foraging Treasure Hunt

Join a foraging group to hunt for edible plants or berries. It’s like a scavenger hunt, but the prize is a handful of wild mint or chanterelles.

Stay safe: Always go with a guide to learn what’s edible.

6. Barefoot Trail Run

Kick off your shoes and feel the earth on a soft forest trail. Barefoot running boosts balance and grounds you in the moment.

Ease in: Start with a short, grassy path to build up your soles. Not a runner? Go for a barefoot walk in the woods. 

Photo by Michael Jerrard on Unsplash

7. Record Nature’s Symphony

Spend an afternoon capturing birdsong, rustling leaves, or a babbling brook with your phone. Use the sounds for meditation or just to relive the calm.

Try this: Edit your clips into a soothing playlist for stressful days.

8. Eco-Art in the Wild

Create temporary art with stones, twigs, or leaves in a park. Build a spiral or stack rocks — then leave it for others to discover.

Keep it kind: Use only natural materials.

9. Starlight Yoga Flow

Join a dusk yoga session outdoors, moving through poses as the stars twinkle above. It’s a cosmic way to stretch and breathe.

DIY it: Find a flat spot in your backyard and follow a YouTube flow.

10. Wild Swimming Escape

Plunge into a lake, river, or waterfall for a refreshing swim. The cold water wakes your senses and connects you to nature’s pulse.

Safety first: Check water conditions and swim with a buddy

11. Geocaching Quest

Use a GPS app to hunt for hidden geocaches in scenic spots. It’s a techy treasure hunt that leads you to new trails and views.

Get started: Download a Geocaching app and find caches near you.

12. Herbal Tea Harvest

Gather wild herbs like chamomile or mint (with guidance) and brew a fresh cup on your hike. It’s a sip of nature’s finest.

Learn first: Join a local herbalist to identify safe plants.

13. Sunrise Birdwatching Picnic

Wake early to catch the dawn chorus of birds, then enjoy a picnic breakfast in nature. It’s a serene start to any day.

Pack light: Bring binoculars, a blanket, and some fruit.

14. Driftwood Fort Fantasy

Build a fort from driftwood on a beach or riverbank. It’s playful, creative, and a nod to nature’s architecture.

Involve friends: Make it a group project for extra laughs.

15. Nature Haiku Hike

Hike a trail and pause to write haikus inspired by the scenery. It’s a poetic way to slow down and notice the details. Bring you favourite nature journal and a pen with you. 

Try this: Keep a small notebook in your pocket for spontaneous verses.

10 Indoor Nature-Inspired Activities for Cozy Balance

There are some days that are overcast, gloomy and perfect for staying at home. Other days — like lazy summer Saturdays — are perfect for chilling out without having to deal with travel and traffic considerations. 

So, what can you do at home that evokes the serenity of nature? 

1. Pressed Flower Creations

Turn collected wildflowers into art by pressing and framing them or making bookmarks. It’s a way to keep summer’s bloom alive indoors.

How-to: Use a flower press or heavy books for 1 – 2 weeks.

2. Nature Journal Glow-Up

Start a journal to sketch plants or landscapes from your adventures. Add reflections to process your time in nature.

Make it fun: Use coloured pencils for vibrant drawings.

3. Terrarium Tiny World

Build a mini forest in a glass jar with moss, stones, and small plants. It’s a living piece of nature for your desk.

Care tip: Mist lightly and keep it in indirect light.

4. Botanical Candle Craft

Make candles with pine or lavender essential oils, topped with dried herbs. Light them for a cozy, nature-infused vibe.

DIY hack: Use soy wax and old jars for an eco-friendly touch.

5. Windowsill Herb Haven

Grow basil, thyme, or mint in pots on your windowsill. Tending to them daily is a grounding ritual.

Start small: Buy starter plants for instant gratification.

6. Nature Vision Board

Cut out images of forests, oceans, or mountains for a vision board. It’s a visual reminder of your nature goals.

Display it: Pin it above your desk for daily inspiration.

7. Driftwood Mobile Magic

Craft a hanging mobile from beach driftwood and shells. It brings the coast indoors and sparks memories of sunny days.

Balance it: Use fishing line for a floating effect.

8. Eco-Dye Fabric Art

Dye napkins or scarves with natural dyes from onion skins or berries. It’s a colourful way to play with nature’s palette.

Experiment: Try different plants for unique hues.

9. Nature Sound Meditation

Curate a playlist of nature sounds (or use your own recordings) for a calming meditation session.

Set the mood: Pair with a cozy blanket and soft lighting.

Related: How To Balance Work And Life With A Dose Of Nature

10. Botanical Sketch Gallery

Draw detailed leaves, flowers, or bark, then frame them for a nature-inspired wall. It’s art that celebrates the wild. 

Mix it up: Combine sketches with pressed leaves for texture.

Go Whimsical And Fun This Summer

See? There’s much you can do that’s related to nature this summer. 

Whether you’re heading outdoors or spending a day inside, at home, unleash your inner nature lover. Enjoy outdoor activities for summer, and nature-filled indoor moments. 

Don't have too much time to spare for your nature adventures? Check out our tips for getting a much needed of time in nature even if you're short on time. 

Soak it in, and enjoy! 

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